4-Nov-2022: Aibawk cluster in the Aizwal, Mizoram becomes the first cluster to be completed under the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission

Aibawk cluster in the Aizwal district of Mizoram has become the first cluster to be completed under the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM). SPMRM was launched by the  Prime Minister in February 2016 with a vision to provide amenities to rural areas which are perceived to be urban and have the potential to stimulate local economic development. Such clusters were selected for well-planned and holistic development.

Under the leadership of the Minister of Rural Development, Sri Giriraj Singh, the Aibawk Rurban cluster completed all the 48 projects planned under SPMRM. Spread over an area of 522 sq. km across 11 villages and covering a population of 10,963, the Aibawk cluster has the locational advantage due to its proximity to Aizwal City.  Focussed efforts to improve the value chain and develop market access have been made under the Mission. Works undertaken to improve market access includes the construction of Agri-link road, pedestrian footpaths, and inter-village road connectivity projects etc. Other interventions include the promotion of agriculture & allied activities and eco-tourism. Special efforts were made to conserve the local environment and sites of historical importance to encourage tourism.

• Aibawk cluster in the Aizwal district of Mizoram has become the first cluster to be completed under the Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission.
• Agri-link road, pedestrian footpaths, and inter-village road connectivity projects undertaken to improve market access.
• Infrastructure created includes roads, footpaths, drains, water supply, and car parking and social infrastructures like a conference center, sports infrastructure.

The interventions undertaken to improve livelihood are making an impact on the economic well-being of the local populace.

The interventions undertaken to improve livelihood are making an impact on the economic well-being of the local populace. Some of these include Dragon fruit cultivation, piggery and poultry activities, nature trail projects, Rurban Eco Estate Phulpui and Nature Park. The Wholesale Market Sateek project has helped the local population within and around the cluster to market their Agri -products.

In addition to this, a holistic development approach was employed to provide basic infrastructure like roads, footpaths, drains, water supply, and car parking and social infrastructures like a conference center, sports infrastructure, and upgradation of facilities at educational institutions. Sports infrastructure like the Badminton court and Futsal Ground has helped economically poor players to represent District and the State Level tournaments.

The joint efforts made by the Centre and State with the involvement of the local community have proved a stepping-stone to the second stage of rural development which goes beyond poverty alleviation and tries to meet the aspirations of the people.

22-Mar-2022: Integrated Project Based Infrastructure in Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM)

The Ministry of Rural Development is implementing Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) to deliver catalytic interventions to rural areas on the threshold of urban growth. SPMRM is an attempt to make the selected rural and tribal areas socially, economically and physically sustainable region by providing economic, social and infrastructure amenities that address improved quality of life aspirations there along with growth and employment. 300 Rurban clusters with thematic economic growth points are being developed across the country under this mission. Integrated Cluster Action Plans (ICAPs) are prepared at cluster level identifying the gaps and needs of the region and the community, in consultation with different stakeholders such as PRI members, different line department, community based institutions, etc.

The Mission focuses on holistic development of clusters and to ensure an optimum level of development, projects are identified and proposed for integrated development of the clusters under twenty-one desirable components including the components of skill development training linked to economic activities, Agri-services processing and allied activities, employment generation and SHG formation, and tourism promotion that are generating the employment opportunities for rural youth.

In so far Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) is concerned, State of Karnataka has been allocated 08 cluster.

7-Dec-2021: Shyam Prasad Mukherjee Rural Urban Mission (SPMRM) is achieving all its goals steadily despite its inherent complexity and uniqueness

Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) was launched in the year 2016 in mission mode to develop 300 clusters in the country holistically by provisioning of economic, social and physical infrastructure facilities. The goal of SPMRM is development of a cluster of villages that preserve and nurture the essence of rural community life with focus on equity and inclusiveness without compromising with the facilities perceived to be essentially urban in nature, thus creating a cluster of ‘Rurban villages. The main objectives of SPMRM are to stimulate local economic development, enhance basic services, and create well planned Rurban clusters.

Under the Mission, presently, there are 109 tribal clusters and 191 non-tribal clusters under different stages of development across 28 States and 6 Union Territories (UTs) of the country. Out of 300 Rurban clusters, 291 Integrated Cluster Action Plans (ICAPs) and 282 Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been developed by States /UTs with a proposed investment of Rs. 27,788.44 (Critical Gap Fund + Convergence Fund).

Following, significant achievements have been made:

1. An expenditure of Rs.15,072.34 crore, constituting 54.24% of the outlay has already been incurred.
2. Out of total 76,973 projected works under the Mission, a total of 40,751 (55%) works are either completed or near completion stage.
3. To propagate planned development, the planning notification has been done for 248 clusters.
4. Regarding the objective of having 'sustainable planned development of rural habitat on spatial perspective' a spatial planning platform has been developed in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics and Ministry of Panchayati Raj. Mentor institutions have been onboarded for providing technical assistance to States/UTs in implementation of the Mission apart from strengthening technological infrastructure in rural areas.

Therefore, Mission is achieving all its goals steadily despite its inherent complexity and uniqueness.

NITI Aayog, while evaluating the implementation of SPMRM, found that “SPMRM growth clusters are playing a role reducing urban migration by ensuring that basic infrastructure, utilities are provided and industrialization is promoted. It is very relevant for ensuring transformational developments as against transitional developments in India’s rural development sector ...".

20-Feb-2020: 4th Anniversary of Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) on 21st February, 2020

The 4th Anniversary of the launch of Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) will be observed tomorrow. On 21st February 2016, the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Mission with the vision to deliver catalytic interventions to rural areas on the threshold of growth.

Undertaken by the Union Ministry of Rural Development, the SPMRM focuses on cluster-based integrated development through Spatial Planning. Rurban clusters are identified across the country’s rural areas showing increasing signs of urbanization - i.e. increase in population density, high levels of non-farm employment, presence of growing economic activities and other socioeconomic parameters.

The Mission aims to transform these Rurban clusters by stimulating local economic development, enhancing basic services, and creating well planned Rurban clusters. This would lead to holistic development of the region and encourage integrated and inclusive rural development.

Under the mission 300 Rurban clusters are envisaged to be developed in a timebound manner. Of these 296 clusters have been selected and number of Integrated Cluster Action Plans (ICAPs) approved are 288 and Detailed Project Reports of 240 have been approved.

SPMRM is a Core Centrally Sponsored Scheme, The Mission has two fund streams: (1) Convergence through various Central sector schemes, centrally sponsored schemes, State sector/ sponsored schemes/ programmes, CSR funds, and (2) Critical Gap Funds (CGF). It provides for CGF upto Rs. 30 crore per cluster for Non-tribal clusters, and upto Rs. 15 crore per cluster for Tribal and Hilly State clusters.

Currently, total Central Share funds released till date is Rs. 1,842.97 cr. Total  investment approved in 288 ICAPs is Rs.28,075 cr with convergence being Rs.21,194 cr and Rs. 6,882cr. Of this, total expenditure, as on 30th November 2019, was Rs.6,689 cr of which Rs. 5,619 cr formed convergence and Rs. 1,071 cr under CGF. The CGF Funds release is expected to cross target of Rs. 1,200 crore by 31st March, 2020.

Infrastructure planned in these clusters includes provision of 24/7 water supply to all households, Solid and Liquid Waste Management facilities at the household and cluster level, provision of Inter and Intra village roads within the cluster, adequate street lights and public transport facilities using green technologies. Economic amenities in a cluster comprise various thematic areas in the sectors of Agri Services and Processing, Tourism, and Skill Development to promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

SPMRM clusters focus selecting interventions from the following components depending on locally felt need as identified during baseline survey:

(i) Sanitation, (ii) Piped Water Supply, (iii) Solid and Liquid Waste Management, (iv) Village Street Lights and Electrification, (v) Access to Village Streets With Drains, (vi) Inter Village Roads Connectivity, (vii) Public Transport, (viii) Skill Development Training Linked to Economic Activities, (ix) Agri-Services Processing and Allied Activities, (x) Health, (xi) Education, (xii) Digital Literacy, (xiii) Citizens Service Centres, (xiv) LPG Gas Connection, (xv) Environment, (xvi) Employment Generation and SHG Formation, (xvii) Tourism Promotion, (xviii) Sports Infrastructure, (xix) Social Infrastructure, (xx) Rural Housing, (xxi) Social Welfare.

Going forward, the Ministry of Rural Development is taking steps to expedite Mission’s on-ground progress. The Mission is seeking extension by 2 years to complete all the identified works. Ministry has received requests on several forums and communications from many States and elected officials to allocate more Rurban clusters. NITI Aayog has recently shared with Ministry that based on learning from the success of the Rurban clusters, a new and extended programme for over a 1,000 clusters in next 3 years may be planned.

In words of the Prime Minister, the objective is to develop the clusters with आत्मा गॉव की...., सुविधाएं शहर की…’ by providing all the basic amenities, infrastructure as well as economic development opportunities in an integrated and timebound manner.

24-Jun-2019: Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurates National Workshop on Experience Sharing under Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission

The Union Minister of Rural Development, Panchayati Raj, Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare Shri Narendra Singh Tomar inaugurated a one day workshop on experience sharing under Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM).

SPMRM focuses on cluster based integrated development through Geo – spatial Planning for holistic development of the region while encouraging innovation and integrated and inclusive rural development. Shri Narendra Singh Tomar addressing the gathering asserted that SPMRM would improve the living condition of rural areas. Shri Tomar insisted that SPMRM should draw inspiration from the life of Shyama Prasad Mukherji and bring in development based on his vision of reducing the rural – urban divide. The Minister pointed out that each mission requires funds, however, success of a mission is equally dependent on the mind-set of the community and their ownership. He advised that rural – urban migration would be reduced if we provide employment, education and basic amenities in these clusters. He laid emphasis on the skill development linked with market linkage and insisted on developing theme based clusters which would encourage entrepreneurial skill and buying power of the cluster. Shri Tomar emphasised that cleanliness plays a pivotal role in providing a hygienic and healthy environment and this should be brought in with the help of community participation and by making it a mass movement.

As per a study carried out by World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2018 three lakh children were saved from diarrhoea as cleanliness was improved vis-à-vis an earlier study done in 2015. Swachhata Award must be taken up in these clusters. The Minister of State Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti stated that due to constant effort for ensuring community participation, the rural population is now aware of their rights and that the Sarpanchs act as a link between Government of India and rural population. She insisted that with the well planned development foreseen in the Rurban Cluster, employment would be created which will help reduce rural migration. She also proposed that clusters may be awarded based on their development so that they act as an inspiration for other clusters. She stressed on the need of employment generative skill development. Member of Parliament Shri Pakodi Lal Kol, appreciated the work being done in their Kodai cluster. He informed that this has improved the basic infrastructure facilities and the cluster which was earlier in the dark has now got well-lit through this program. The Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Amarjeet Sinha appreciated that this workshop is being held where elected representative are sharing their experiences on the development taking place under Rurban Mission in their respective areas. Shri Sinha informed that studies have revealed that rural areas contribute to 50% of agriculture manufacturing goods and contribute one fifth to the service sector and these are mainly the clusters which have more than 75% population engaged in non-farming activities. He further informed that Rurban clusters would witness a well planned development through infused economic activities along with infrastructure development.

Elected representatives from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Kerala, Nagaland, Karnataka, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh shared their experience. Apart from infrastructural development through the mission, the participants informed that it has also helped in increasing the income of the population through economic activity generation initiatives like Agro – processing, bakery industries, garments manufacturing, e-rickshaw services, Agri-equipment bank. Further several states presented their experiences on successful implementation and impact of solid waste management activities. The meeting was attended by more than 275 participants which includes over 80 elected representatives from the States and Union Territories.

SPMRM aims to provide well planned basic amenities along with economic development activities. The mission has an objective for comprehensive development of 300 clusters out of which Integrated Cluster Action Plans for 279 clusters have been approved. Total investment in these 279 clusters is estimated at Rs. 26,258 Crores of which Rs. 5,150 crore has already been spent which includes Rs.800 crore from Critical Gap Funding and the remaining from convergence. Basic amenities in a cluster typically comprises of provision of 24/7 water supply to all households, Solid and Liquid Waste Management facilities at the household and cluster level, provision of Inter and Intra village roads within the cluster, adequate street lights and public transport facilities using green technologies. Economic Amenities in a cluster comprise various thematic areas in the sectors of Agri Services and Processing, Tourism, and Skill development to promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

13-Dec-2018: Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission

The Shyama Prasad Mukherji Rurban Mission (SPMRM) is under implementation across the country. The Mission has progressed since the launch in 2016. Out of the mandated 300 clusters, 295 clusters have been identified and approved across 29 States and 6 Union Territories.

SPMRM was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on February 21st, 2016 with an outlay of Rs. 5142.08 crore. This is a unique programme, designed to deliver catalytic interventions to rural areas on the threshold of growth. There is a funding support of up to 30% of the estimated investment for each Rurban cluster, given as Critical Gap Funding (CGF), while 70% of the funds is mobilized by the States through convergence with synergic State and Central programmes as well as private investment and institutional funding. Upon being re-classified as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, the CGF is now shared between the Centre and the State in a ratio of 60:40 for Plain area States and 90:10 for Himalayan and NE States.

Further, through intense engagements with the States, 232 Integrated Cluster Action Plans (ICAPs), which are the blue prints of investment for each cluster, have been approved. Rs1314 crore of Central Share of CGF, Rs. 627.91 crore as corresponding State Share and Rs. 103.25 crore of Administrative Funding, has been released to 29 States and 6 Union Territories over the last four financial years. In FY 2015-16, administrative funds of Rs.32.05 crore has been released. In FY 2016-17, the BE of Rs. 300 crore was doubled at the RE stage to reach 100% expenditure, with a total release of Rs. 600 crore. In FY 2017-18, Rs. 553.26 crore was released to States/UTs against the revised estimate of Rs. 600 crore. In the current FY 2018-19, 236.90crore has been released till date, against a revised estimate (RE) of Rs. 551.03 crore.

Substantial part of the works identified for development in the clusters is focused on provision of basic and economic amenities. Provision of basic amenities in a cluster typically comprise; provision of 24/7 Water Supply to all households, Solid and Liquid Waste Management facilities at the household and cluster level, provision of Inter and Intra village roads within the cluster, adequate Street Lights and Public Transport facilities using green technologies. Provision of Economic Amenities in a cluster comprise various thematic areas in the sectors of Agri Services and Processing, Tourism, and Skill development to promote Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Ram Kripal Yadav in Lok Sabha today.

27-Jul-2022: Development of Rural Roads

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY-I) was launched in the year 2000 as a one-time special intervention to provide rural connectivity, by way of a single all-weather road, to the eligible unconnected habitations of designated population as per Census 2001.

In the year 2013, PMGSY-II was launched for upgradation of selected Through Routes and Major Rural Links (MRLs) with a target to upgrade 50,000 Km in various States and Union Territories.

Subsequently, in 2016, Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) was launched for construction/upgradation of strategically important roads, as a separate vertical under PMGSY to improve the road connectivity in 44 worst affected LWE districts and some adjoining districts in 9 States.

In the year 2019, Government launched PMGSY-III for consolidation of 1,25,000 Km Through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations, inter-alia, to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals.

Since inception till 21.07.2022, a total of 1,84,056 roads of 7,93,568 km and 10,082 bridges have been sanctioned under various interventions/ verticals of PMGSY, out of which, 1,70,857 roads of 7,12,638 km and 7,264 bridges have been completed.

Currently, the fund sharing pattern of PMGSY is 60:40 between the Centre and States for all states except for 8 North Eastern States and for 2 Himalayan States (Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand). For these states and UT of J&K, the fund sharing pattern is 90:10. The funds for other Union Territories, implementing PMGSY, are being fully provided by the Central Government.

20-Jul-2022: Status of PMGSY Roads

The details of roads completed in the last five years and current year under various interventions/verticals of PMGSY are as under:

Further, as on 14th July 2022, 13217 no. of roads measuring 65,320 km are ongoing under various interventions/verticals of PMGSY.

Various impact assessment studies that have been carried out by Independent Agencies have concluded that PMGSY has helped in better access to market place for the rural communities and generated employments in various forms. It has also helped in also accessing various social services such as those relating to education and health. Resultant impact of these improvements has been substantial mitigation of poverty and unemployment. The results of some of recent evaluations are listed below:

An evaluation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes in Rural Development Sector, including Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was carried out by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of NITI Aayog in 2020. The following are the main findings of this study:

1. It was found that the scheme is well aligned with India’s international goals and is seen to contribute to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) 2 & 9 as it addresses the issues of poverty, hunger and infrastructure for growth.
2. Roads constructed under PMGSY have been observed to create positive impacts at both at level of the household and the community.
3. The roads have been observed to increase access to market and livelihood opportunities, health and education facilities.
4. PMGSY is noted to build the foundations for long-lasting poverty reduction in rural India. Improved rural connectivity provides a long-term and sustained boost in the living standards of rural populations as it allows households to accumulate wealth and human capital.

An impact evaluation study was conducted by World Bank, 2018, the main findings of which are as follows:-

1. The crops taken to the markets for sale from PMGSY roads increased by 8%.
2. Rate of primary employment in non-farm sector increased by about 13%.
3. Share of people with primary employment outside their habitation increased by 8%.
4. Share of babies delivered at home decreased by 30% in connected habitations.

Moreover, IIM-Ahmadabad, in its study titled “Outcome Monitoring System under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), July 2017, (Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, Jharkhand, Meghalaya)” concluded that the construction of PMGSY road was able to bring about socio- economic change in the life of the poor at par with the other sections of society and sometimes even more than that.

19-Jul-2022: New Technologies in Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-I (PMGSY-I) was launched as a one-time special intervention to provide rural connectivity, by way of a single all-weather road, to the eligible unconnected habitations of designated population size (500+ in plain areas and 250+ in North-Eastern States, Himalayan States, Himalayan Union Territories and certain other backward and tribal areas as per 2001 census) in the core network for uplifting the socio-economic condition of the rural population. In the critical Left-Wing Extremism affected blocks (as identified by Ministry of Home Affairs), additional relaxation has been given to connect habitations with population 100 persons and above as per 2001 census. Since inception till 13th July, 2022, 6,45,566 km road length has been sanctioned and 6,17,013 km completed under PMGSY-I.

As the programme unfolded, a need was felt for consolidation of the existing Rural Road Network to improve its efficiency not only as a provider of transportation services, but also as a vehicle of social and economic development. Accordingly, in the year 2013, PMGSY-II was launched for upgradation of selected Through Routes and Major Rural Links (MRLs) with a target to upgrade 50,000 Km in various states and Union Territories. Since inception till 13th July, 2022, 49,880 km road length has been sanctioned and 47,559 km completed under PMGSY-II.

Subsequently, in 2016, Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) for construction/upgradation of strategically important roads was launched as a separate vertical under PMGSY. Since inception till 13th July, 2022, 12,081 km road length has been sanctioned and 6,179 km completed under RCPLWEA.

Union Government had approved the PMGSY III programme in 2019, which mainly focuses on the consolidation of 125000 Km existing through routes and Major Rural Links that connect habitations, inter-alia, to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals. Since inception till 13th July, 2022, 86,039 km road length has been sanctioned and 41,440 km completed under PMGSY-III.

Overall, since inception till 13th July, 2022, 7,93,567 km road length has been sanctioned under all the interventions/ verticals of PMGSY, against which 7,12,190 km has been constructed.

The details of expenditure incurred (including state share) year-wise under various interventions/ verticals of PMGSY can be seen at omms.nic.in->progress monitoring->Fund Position Report Live.

Under PMGSY, firm steps have been taken to ensure resource efficiency through different interventions. Use of new/green technologies is one such intervention which has resulted not only in savings of carbon footprint but also in savings of fuel. New / Green technology economizes the construction cost of road as well as disposal of different industrial as well as municipal waste effectively, which not only saves the environment but conserve use of virgin mining materials effectively. Also it enhances the execution capacity and reduces the construction period.

In order to promote cost-effective and fast construction technologies in the construction of rural roads, using New materials/Waste materials/Locally available materials, NRIDA has issued ‘Guidelines on Technology Initiatives’, in May 2013. The States were asked to propose at least 15% of the length of annual proposals using any of the new technologies/ materials. This initiative has helped introduce more than 40 technologies including waste plastics, cold mix technology, cell filled concrete, stabilization using cement and lime, nano technology and Full Depth Reclamation (FDR). Further, the Vision document on New Technology Initiatives, 2022 has been launched in May 2022, which prescribes enhanced use of new technologies/ materials in the construction of PMGSY roads.

Since inception till 13th July, 2022, 1,17,095 km road length has been sanctioned for construction using new and green technologies, out of which 73,792 Km road length has been constructed.

As a part of the implementation of PMGSY, GIS data for 800,000+ rural facilities as points, 1 Million + habitations and 25,00,000+ km of rural roads have been collected and digitized using GIS platform developed for the scheme. The complete details of geospatial information under PMGSY-I & II is available in public domain on pmgsy-grris.nic.in. Under PMGSY III, GeoSadak application has been developed, which is an Online Geospatial Transaction System that enables the States to upload, generate report and edit GIS data online.

5-Apr-2022: Rural Road Connectivity under PMGSY

As on 31st March 2022, details of roads sanctioned, completed and balance under various verticals/interventions of PMGSY across all over the country are as under:-

 * Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas

** Balance road length is less than the difference of sanctioned and completed length due to the reasons that some habitations were connected with less than the sanctioned length due to reduction in road length, change in alignment, construction of part length by other agencies, etc.

There is a three-tiered Quality Control mechanism for ensuring construction of quality road works and durability of road assets under PMGSY. Under the first tier, the Programme Implementation Units (PIUs) are required to ensure process control through mandatory tests on material and workmanship at field laboratory. The second tier is a structured independent quality monitoring at the State level through State Quality Monitors (SQMs) to ensure that every work is inspected at initial stage, middle stage and the final stage of construction. Under the third tier, independent National Quality Monitors (NQMs) are deployed by National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) for random inspection of roads and bridge works to monitor quality and also to provide guidance to the field functionaries. Thus, completed roads are compulsorily inspected by SQMs, and inspected on sample basis by NQMs.

During the year 2019-20, 2020-21 and current year up to 30th March 2022, a total of 14828 NQM inspection reports were received in respect of completed and ongoing works. Satisfactory(S)/Satisfactory Requiring Improvement (SRI) for completed and ongoing works in 2019-20, 2020-21 and current year are 91.49%, 93.57% and 94.43%. Hence, there is continuous improvement in the quality of works. Also, as per the programme guidelines, whenever, a work is reported as deficient by quality monitors, on account of either structural and non-structural defects, the Programme Implementation Unit (PIU) ensures that the contractor replaces the material or rectifies the workmanship, as the case may be. The Action Taken Report (ATR) for each such work, is verified on ground by the SQMs. Thereafter, the State Quality Coordinator (SQC) examines the ATR for each such work and furnishes the compliance report.

30-Mar-2022: PMGSY-III through Geological Indication

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-III was launched in the year 2019 for consolidation of 1,25,000 Km Through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations, inter-alia, to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals. The selection and verification of proposals under PMGSY-III is being assisted using Geographic Information System (GIS). The rural road network and habitations have been digitized on GIS. A geo-tagging based mobile survey was conducted to identify important rural facilities and points of interest such as schools, hospitals, and markets and were Geo-tagged.

A state of the art network planning algorithm called “Trace Map” was developed by the Ministry to identify and rank rural roads on the basis of the population depending on such roads by tracing the route from each rural habitation to its nearest facilities and then aggregating this information to identify the importance of each and every road segment across rural India.

Proposals submitted by the States are further audited using satellite imagery to verify whether road proposals are meeting objectives of PMGSY-III.

PMGSY-III envisages consolidation of 1,25,000 Km Through Routes and Major Rural Links at an estimated cost of Rs. 80,250 crore. Against the allocated target of 1,25,000 Km, 77,129 Km road length has already been sanctioned at an estimated cost of Rs. 51,881 crore. The State of Himachal Pradesh has been allocated target of 3,125 Km under PMGSY-III.

As per the programme guidelines of PMGSY, maintenance of roads constructed under the programme is the responsibility of the State Governments and all road works are covered by initial five year maintenance contracts to be entered into along with the construction contract, with the same contractor, as per the Standard Bidding Document. Maintenance funds to service the contract are required to be budgeted by the State Governments and placed at the disposal of the State Rural Roads Development Agencies (SRRDAs) in a separate maintenance account. On expiry of the 5 year post construction maintenance, PMGSY roads are required to be placed under Zonal maintenance contracts consisting of 5 year maintenance including renewal as per maintenance cycle, from time to time, which are also financed by the state governments.

No roads can be taken up for consolidation under PMGSY-III before completion of 10 years of design life. PMGSY-III is for upgradation and consolidation of Through Routes and Major Rural Links meeting the programme objectives; maintenance of old roads in not covered under PMGSY-III. However, roads being constructed under PMGSY-III are to be maintained by State/ UT governments as mentioned above.

22-Mar-2022: Rural Connectivity GIS Data for Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

The Ministry of Rural Development has released Geographic Information System (GIS) data developed for the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) scheme in Public Domain on 22nd February 2022 as a historic and most important contribution to National Geospatial Mission. The GIS dataset created under PMGSY-I&II are available for view and are open to the public at http://pmgsy-grris.nic.in. All the states have created data based on PMGSY National GIS guidelines. Under PMGSY-III, more than 7.70 lakh rural facilities such as medical, educational and markets have been geo-tagged. Details of rural roads are available in public domain at https://geosadak-pmgsy.nic.in/opendata.

The GIS data created under PMGSY National GIS guideline is not just of rural areas, but a holistic national geospatial dataset including urban areas, National Highways, State Highways and Railway tracks etc. GeoSadak has been developed utilizing fully indigenous GIS data layers and satellite data services.

This data specially captured the rural roads, 10 lakh habitations and other facilities in rural and remote areas which existing public and private mapping datasets did not cover meaningfully. This unique dataset is a public good of national importance and can revolutionize travel & commerce, increase innovation and research, and can bridge the gap between urban and rural India and will help in boosting the rural economy based on recent data sharing policy of the Government of India. This has potential to create new services for businesses and citizens and give a boost to the rural economy.

Various impact assessment studies carried out by Independent Agencies have concluded that PMGSY has helped in better access of marketplace for the rural masses and generated employments in various forms. It has also helped in improving socio- economic conditions of people living around the area. Thus, it has helped in removing poverty and unemployment. The scheme has impacted agriculture, health, education, urbanization and employment generation in a big way. The PMGSY has affected rural masses of all the states including Odisha in a very positive way by emerging as a facilitator and precursor to various developmental activities.

An evaluation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes in Rural Development Sector, including Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana was carried out by the Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO) of NITI Aayog in 2020. The following are the findings of this study:

1. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is relevant for the Country considering the massive unavailability of all-weather roads in rural areas.
2. The scheme is well aligned with India’s international goals and is seen to contribute to SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) 2 & 9 as it addresses the issues of poverty, hunger and infrastructure for growth.
3. PMGSY is also aligned to Department of Rural Development’s vision and mission of providing infrastructure in rural areas.
4. PMGSY roads are observed to create positive impacts at both at level of the household and the community. The roads have been observed to increase access to market and livelihood opportunities, health and education facilities. It also provides agency to the women.
5. According to the household survey results – at lower income levels, having easy access to the main town and market was seen to be the biggest advantage of having PMGSY roads while at higher income levels, easy access to education facilities was seen as most advantageous.
6. PMGSY roads intend to bring equity to all stakeholders of the society. PMGSY is noted to build the foundations for long-lasting poverty reduction in rural India. Improved rural connectivity provides a long-term and sustained boost in the living standards of rural populations as it allows households to accumulate wealth and human capital.

Under PMGSY-III, the States have been asked to propose at least 15% of the length of annual proposals under new and green technologies. In order to promote cost-effective and fast construction technologies and to achieve optimal use of non- conventional materials and cost- effective environment friendly “Green Technologies” in the construction of PMGSY-III roads, the prominent new technologies like use of waste plastic, cold mix technology, cell filled concrete, stabilization using cement and lime, nano technology, full depth reclamation (FDR) are in use. Using of new & green technologies have resulted not only in reduction of carbon footprint but also in savings of fuel and natural resources.

A total of 1,05,838 km road length has been sanctioned for construction using new and green technologies, out of which, 67,091 km road length has been built. Under PMGSY-III, proportion of roads being sanctioned and constructed using new and green technology has seen a big increase. As on 16.03.2022, out of the total 77,129 km sanctioned under PMGSY-III, 36,514 km length has been sanctioned under new and green technologies, out of which, 8,954 km road length has been constructed.

15-Mar-2022: Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-I (PMGSY-I) was launched as a one-time special intervention to provide rural connectivity, by way of a single all-weather road, to the eligible unconnected habitations of designated population size as per Census 2001.

Since inception, till 10.03.2022, in 250+ population category, 1,57,377 habitations have been sanctioned and 1,55,719 habitations have been provided connectivity in various states/ UTs. Under 100-249 population category in LWE areas, 6,260 habitations have been sanctioned and 5,856 habitations have been provided connectivity. Thus, 99 % of targeted habitations have been provided all weather road connectivity as on 10.3.2021. A total of 6,45,605 Km road length has been sanctioned under new connectivity and upgradation components under PMGSY-I, out of which 6,13,030 Km road length has been completed since inception till 10th March, 2022.

As the programme unfolded, a need was felt for consolidation of the existing Rural Road Network to improve its efficiency not only as a provider of transportation services, but also as a vehicle of social and economic development. Accordingly, in the year 2013, PMGSY-II was launched for upgradation of selected Through Routes and Major Rural Links (MRLs) with a target to upgrade 50,000 Km in various States and Union Territories. Since inception, till 10.03.2022, 49,885 km road length has been sanctioned and 46,468 km road length has been completed under PMGSY-II.

Subsequently, in 2016, Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) for construction/upgradation of strategically important roads was launched as a separate vertical under PMGSY. Since inception, till 10.03.2022, 10,231 km road length has been sanctioned and 5,310 km road length has been completed under RCPLWEA.

In the year 2019, Government launched PMGSY-III for consolidation of 1,25,000 Km Through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations, inter-alia, to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals. Since inception, till 10.03.2022, 77,129 km road length has been sanctioned and 29,773 km road length has been completed under PMGSY-III.

While implementing the scheme, challenges like issues of land acquisition, forest clearance, poor contracting capacity of states, lack of response to tenders, law and order issues, financial capability of states to release funds, execution capacity of states/ SRRDAs came in the way which impacted the overall progress of the scheme in general. For North-Eastern and hill states, some additional issues like adverse climatic conditions, tough terrain, short working season etc. also came in the way which compounded the challenges.

Despite the challenges faced, the progress under PMGSY has been satisfactory. The vertical-wise details of achievement under PMGSY (overall) are as follows:

On the request of various states/ UTs, especially North-Eastern and Hill states, the timeline for completion PMGSY-I & II has been extended till September 2022 and for RCPLWEA the timeline has been extended till March 2023. Timeline for completion of PMGSY-III is till March, 2025.

Allocation and release of funds to the states for execution of works sanctioned under PMGSY is made by the Ministry on time. However, due to weak finances of some states, delays do take place in transfer of funds from state treasury to the account of State Rural Roads Development Agencies (SRRDAs). This has impacted the overall progress of the scheme in only a few states. Most of the states' SRRDAs have had sufficient funds available with them. This can be assessed from the fact that despite COVID-19, the expenditure has been on increasing trend during the last two years and current year. Details are as under:-

* Highest expenditure since inception of the scheme.

There is a three-tiered Quality Control mechanism for ensuring construction of quality road works and durability of road assets under PMGSY. Under the first tier, the Programme Implementation Units (PIUs) are required to ensure process control through mandatory tests on material and workmanship at field laboratory. The second tier is a structured independent quality monitoring at the State level through State Quality Monitors (SQMs) to ensure that every work is inspected at initial stage, middle stage and final stage of construction. Under the third tier, independent National Quality Monitors (NQMs) are deployed by National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) for random inspection of road and bridge works to monitor quality and also to provide guidance to the field functionaries.

The quality of constructions of works sanctioned under PMGSY are being monitored through inspections by National Quality Monitors (NQMs). In the last three years (March 2019-March 2022), 7.23% completed works and 6.18% ongoing works were graded as unsatisfactory by NQMs, whereas during March 2021 – March 2022, the unsatisfactory grading has decreased to 6.38% for completed works and 4.55% for ongoing works. Thus, it can be seen that proportion of unsatisfactory works has decreased. The quality monitoring mechanism is further being strengthened by adding more NQMs and enhancing the intensity of inspection. In addition, the quality issues are also reviewed in detail with the States in various Regional Review Meetings and Pre-Empowered/ Empowered Committee/ regular review meetings by the Ministry.

For empanelment and engagement of consultants for preparation of DPRs under PMGSY, the detailed guidelines has been circulated by National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency(NRIDA), a technical arm of the Ministry on 04.12.2012 to all states which may be seen at www.pmgsy.nic.in> Advertisements/ Circulars> Archive. The consultants for preparation of DPRs are empaneled by the States implementing PMGSY.

The programme is monitored at regular intervals by way of Regional Review Meetings (RRMs), Performance Review Committee (PRC) Meetings and Pre-Empowered/ Empowered Committee Meetings with the States. In addition to this, special review meetings/ monthly review meetings were also held at the level of Secretary/ Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development with Chief Secretaries/Additional Chief Secretaries/Principal Secretaries/ Chief Executive Officer-SRRDAs of the States. Reviews are also held by the Minister with counterpart State Ministers for expediting decision making and quality control of the construction. Necessary hand- holding of the state in this regard were done wherever required by means of Inter-departmental meetings etc. Further, implementation of all sanctioned works is also monitored through Online Management, Monitoring and Accounting System (OMMAS) on a real time basis to ensure that the physical and financial progress are in sync with the overall targets given to states.

2-Feb-2022: Rural connectivity projects in North Eastern States

Rural Roads is a State subject and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a one-time special intervention to provide rural connectivity, by way of a single all-weather road, to the eligible unconnected habitations of designated population size (500+ in plain areas and 250+ in North-Eastern States, Himalayan States and Himalayan Union Territories as per 2001 census) in the core network for uplifting the socio-economic condition of the rural population. Relaxation has been provided to the Desert Areas (as identified in the Desert Development Programme), the Tribal (Schedule V) areas and Selected Tribal and Backward Districts and unconnected habitations in these areas with a population of 250 persons and above in the Core Network as per Census 2001 are eligible for connectivity under the scheme. In the critical Left-Wing Extremism affected blocks (as identified by Ministry of Home Affairs), additional relaxation has been given to connect habitations with population 100 persons and above as per 2001 census

The Ministry has taken a number of initiatives under PMGSY to take into account special concerns of the North-Eastern States and tribal areas of other states. Following dispensations have been provided: -

1. As against project cost sharing of 60:40 between centre and states in plain areas, the sharing pattern is 90:10 for states of North-Eastern states.
2. On road portions subjected to heavy snow fall or landslides, where regular snow or debris clearance is done over long period to keep the road open to traffic, roadway width may be increased by 1.5 m up to 7.5 m.
3. States have been allowed to provide adequate length of cement concrete drains along slopes to reduce the damage to roads.
4. States have been allowed to provide requisite number of protection structures and cross drainage works keeping in view the terrain, snow fall and deposition of snow in high altitudes areas.
5. The Ministry has agreed to share the cost of bridges up to 100 m length, as against 75 m in plain areas. Under PMGSY-III, the limit has been extended to 200 m, against 150 m for plain areas.

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